Cindy Heller asked:


Because today’s society is filled with jobs that require stressful long hours, more and more people are realizing that they want a job that promotes well-being for both themselves and others which often lead them to consider a career in providing and teaching Pilates Instruction.

The Important Role Of The Pilates Instructor

The importance of a Pilates instructor is to impart proper Pilates instruction. A certified Pilates instructor is first required to maintain the integrity of Pilates instruction.

With this integrity, it allows for the Pilates instruction to be taught the way that it was intended to benefit those who wish to derive value from this exercise program. The proper instruction will reduce potential injuries to the student and will optimize the results gained from the proper performance of the exercises techniques.

The Prerequisite Of A Pilates Certification

The first thing you should know in applying for a Pilates certification will mean to embark upon a career path that requires much interaction with people. For people who have a limited amount of patience when it comes to working with other people, this might not be the ideal career choice, because much of the job will involve trying to help people who are struggling with pilates techniques.

Another important prerequisite to teaching Pilates is to have prior solid comprehension of the Pilates essentials. Pilates essentials consists of the six principles of Pilates, Pilates concepts, Pilates theory, anatomy and how to relate to it, and also, analysis of posture and muscle imbalances.

If you choose to attend a Pilates essentials course, it would provide you with all the necessary tools that can be used for program design and would impart also an understanding of the Pilates Principles, concepts and theory. In addition the Pilates essentials course also teaches how these are implemented into the Pilates training programs.

Therefore it is a good idea if you are well-versed in pilates as a hobby before embarking on getting a Pilates certification. This way, the course training process will be easier for you to understand, thus easier to relate concepts to people as an instructor.

The Pilates Mat 1 Certification

Before you get any other Pilates certifications, you must first complete the Pilates Mat 1 certification course. Once you have successfully completed this certification course, it will enable you to teach Pilates classes that are level 1 or level 2.

The focus of this course concentrates on the history of the Pilates method, and how different Pilates moves benefit the body in different ways. Other topics require you to learn the proper form of each Pilates move, how to perform the exercises for the class, the name of each Pilates exercise, and the most efficient way of performing verbal cues regarding the exercises.

The Pilates Mat 2 Certification

After you have successfully completed the Pilates Mat 1 certification and wish to teach more advanced classes, you can attend the Pilates Mat 2 certification. One of the goals of this course is to teach the instructor how to choreograph certain Pilates moves to make them harder, and tailoring certain moves for people in certain categories, such as the elderly.

Where Do You Get Pilates Training

Because Pilates instruction is such a serious physical rehabilitation exercise program, in Great Britain there are government standards in place for its instruction. Although there are no such licenses or standards required outside of Great Britain, there are several centers available that provide instruction for a Pilates instructor. In addition, there are movements that demands for Pilates instructor accreditation.

If you are in the US and you are interested in finding and participating in Pilates training, one place specifically where you can receive Pilates training is the Pilates Center. Pilates Center is a full-service and state of the art client focused Pilates exercise facility which provides personalized private lessons and group lessons.

In addition, the Pilates center is an internationally renowned teacher training school that has in fact been labeled as the “Harvard of Pilates Teacher Training Programs”. The Pilates center is a company which was established in 1990 in Boulder, Colorado, by Amy Taylor Alpers and Rachel Taylor Segel.

The Pilates industry is fast becoming a truly booming business, and opportunities abound for qualified instructors. Whether you want to work in a Pilates studio, a fitness club, or a therapeutic clinic, for instance, you first need to get certified from a reputable Pilates training institution.

Since there are many different places that offer Pilates training, what you have to do is to browse through the options and find the one that suits you and your particular situation best.

Paul M. Jerard Jr. asked:


If you teach any form of Yoga, you are expected to be a living example of good health. This can be easy for some and a daunting task for others. Any one of us could suffer from any one of the multitudes of ailments or diseases, while living a healthy lifestyle.

When students see you for the first time, they make initial judgments. Whether it is right or wrong, people make judgments. Bearing this in mind, Yoga teachers should be eating correctly, cross training, getting a good night’s sleep, and abstaining from bad health habits.

Body weight is difficult to control; especially if you have reached middle age. As a result, your diet and physical activities should be regulated according to your present weight. Walking, jogging, or swimming, should be part of your daily routine.

How much cross training is necessary? This depends on your present body weight, your blood pressure, and the condition of your heart. Some studies recommend walking 10,000 steps per day.

You could log this in by using a pedometer. It has also been discovered that moderate intensity exercises, such as: Swimming, biking, walking briskly, or dancing, are also of great benefit to our overall physical health.

The most important thing is to take part in physical activities, which you find stimulating. In good weather, a brisk walk outside is a wise habit. Granted, there are machines, which are designed for moderate intensity exercise. The elliptical trainer is a good example of such a machine.

Eating correctly, and moderately, should be no mystery to any of us. The Sattvic, or Yogic Diet, has plenty of solutions for weight control. One thing to consider is that raw vegetables, fruits, and water, are of extreme value to your physical health.

On another note: For Yoga teachers, there are many advantages to fine tuning the art of spoken communication. When compared to writing, speaking is much more personal. The interaction with one student, or an entire class, establishes a rapport.

Working face-to-face, with a class, allows you to use voice inflection, body language, facial expressions, and hand gestures. Through this, you have created a form of unconscious human interaction, which results in trust.

Some Yoga instructors manage to make each student feel important during class time. A Yoga instructor gives physical assists, when needed, and addresses each student’s needs. This is much different from being a public speaker because of the student / teacher relationship.

Yet, a public speaker must also establish a bond, develop trust, and create an open atmosphere. In any type of classroom setting, the student should never be afraid to ask a question. The open environment enables the collective group to make progress, and prevents misunderstandings.

Once open communication is established, there are no limits as to what students can learn in your Yoga classes. Information is exchanged rapidly, clearly, and without confusion. Many times, sincere students, who ask in-depth questions, stimulate the interest of the entire group.

Some Yoga teachers have a firm policy of not answering questions during class time. The concern, among these teachers, is how to handle a disruptive, or ego-driven, student. If you have a person who you feel is purposely disrupting the class, keep your answer short and offer to discuss the question after class.

Yoga instructors can misunderstand the motives behind a student’s questions or actions too. Take the time to see the big picture and resist judgments. The student, who is curious, has sought you out for the answers to his or her questions. Students, who ask a lot of questions, cause us to research an old topic again. There is no harm in this because curious students make their teachers better.

Copyright 2008 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Steven Giles asked:


The idea of Pilates and its controlled movements to tone certain body areas and maximize your inner core while using your mind to help you identify key body points was first invented by Joseph Pilates.  This has become much more than that in past years and one such method is called Winsor Pilates. Invented by Mari Winsor and is based off Joseph Pilates original movements with the goal of overall weight loss through body sculpting, toning abs, and strengthening back muscles, bones, and ligaments. Achieving maximum flexibility is part of any Pilates regiment and Winsor Pilates is no exception.  As the Winsor rules states, “let’s get moving, sculpt, and lost weight.”  Before beginning Winsor Pilates, make sure you are being guided by a certified instructor, have purchased DVDs, or have found an online website dedicated to teaching the subject. Mari Winsor has developed movements in her routine that focuses on your abs, chest, exercise ball workouts, upper body, back and leg muscles and even a good prenatal Winsor Pilates workout is offered.  Body toning continues to be the most popular requested result for Winsor Pilates.  Trimming and shaping or “dynamic sequencing,” is a Winsor Pilates quest for almost anyone who is interested in these techniques. In accordance with Pilates basics, Winsor Pilates not only strengthens your core body but also focuses on toning and sculpting your body back to its youthful flexibility.  Every form of Pilates, with the recommended DVDs by a certified instructor, including Winsor Pilates can be performed in a group atmosphere or in the privacy of your own home.  It is a convenient exercise regiment for the busy person. Winsor Pilates also encourages floor work on mats as well as working with a sculpting circle, a piece of equipment designed to ensure more resistance during your workout.  While specific muscle groups are targeted in Winsor Pilates, each exercise is performed in a selected and recommended order to achieve the best and fastest results.  In Winsor Pilates, routines are outlined and followed in sequence instead of random Pilates exercises used in other Pilates styles. Winsor Pilates is great for people who are suffering from back pain or people looking for specific area relief.  The movements are not considered aerobic on any level and doctors and physical therapists often use Winsor Pilates movements targeted towards muscles, ligaments and joint flexibility to help improve affected areas while toning. As one back pain sufferer put it after beginning a Winsor Pilates routine, “I feel I have the flexibility back I had as a cheerleader in high school.”  That’s quite an improvement for people with back injuries from poor posture or injuries.  By focusing on the muscles that need to be rejuvenated, Winsor Pilates can be a successful way to relieve pain while strengthening muscles for optimal performance.

All Pilates workouts, including Winsor Pilates, especially when geared at people trying to regain strength in core muscles, should be outlined and overseen by an experienced professional.  You can find specialists on the Internet, through online DVDs and through in-class instruction.  There is simply no better way to increase movement and performance to certain core areas than Winsor Pilates and with the right techniques, you too will enjoy the rewards that this can bring. There are a range of DVD’s on sale at http://www.pilatesorstretchforbackpain.com which have been recommended by a leading British Osteopath/Physiotherapist. Please visit my blog at http://stretchorpilatesforbackpain.com/wordpress/?feed=rss2

Dev Sri asked:


Yoga, the extreme heights of peacefulness attained through the silencing of the soul.

Yoga, the oldest way of spiritual practice is one of the six schools in Hindu philosophy. Towards the end of twentieth century, yoga teachers moved to the West and travelers from the West to India led to the flourishing of Yoga in western countries. In the West, yoga gives stress on different postures associated with it. The Bhagavad Geetha, The Upanishads, The Yoga Sutras of Patajali, the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, Yoga Rahasya and many other Hindu texts holds writings based on Yoga.

Classification:

Karma yoga- Yoga of action

Jnana Yoga- Yoga of wisdom

Bhakti Yoga-Yoga of devotion

Raja Yoga- Yoga of meditation

Yoga, the science of liberation helps its disciples to reach the extreme point of liberation. Since Yoga has a basic therapeutic healing power, is practiced together with other medications. Ashtanga Yoga and Ayurveda is simply mixed in the practice of Yoga.

Yoga lay emphasis on the body, mind and the emotional area of a person. At the final stage the Yogi (one who practice Yoga) reaches the ‘moksha’ stage where there is no interruption of thoughts occurs. Concentration and meditation are indivisible parts of Yoga that infills the meditator with the extreme pleasures of peace and joy.

According to Hinduism, yoga is practiced to attain the union with the God and Buddhism says Yoga as a practice that deepens wisdom, thought and insight. Western countries give emphasis on individualism. Yoga is a practice to spiritual awareness and insight for a normal person.

Yoga Therapy:

Yoga Therapy is an extensive healer that promotes positive health. Anxiety, hypertension, heart problems, asthma, diabetes, etc are some of the conditions in which Yoga is applicable. Yoga therapy is approved by the Medical Researchers as it is found to be effective in most of the ailments. Yoga therapy is an effective stress manager. It includes physical postures, breathing techniques and other relaxation methods.

Sri Ramakrishna Parama Hamsa, Swami Vivekananda, Swami Sivananda, Parama Hamsa Yoga Nanda, Mira Bhai from Bhakti tradition, Sankaracharya from jnana tradition, etc are some of the celebrated yogis of the ancient India.

Siri Datta asked:


What is Kundalini Yoga?

Taken from the book Open your heart with Kundalini Yoga, by Siri Datta

Throughout the ages, in every civilization, there has been a hidden pathway, a secret technology of discovery, which enables the individual to reach the ultimate potential. This is a technique that has the ability to elevate, inspire and awaken the individual to their own greatness. That greatness is within every one of us, and the technology that can do this is Kundalini Yoga.

As an enthusiastic teacher of Kundalini Yoga, I am always asked ‘What is it? Is it like Hatha Yoga, or Ashtanga Yoga? Is it dynamic or static? Are there meditation or breathing techniques?’ My answer is always the same: it is all of those things, and a multitude more.

Yogi Bhajan, the Master of Kundalini Yoga, now living in New Mexico, has explained that there are 22 major forms of yoga, each one expressing a facet of the whole. A good way of understanding this is that each different form of yoga is like the facet of a diamond. The diamond herself is Kundalini Yoga, the mother of all yogas.

Kundalini Yoga is the most inclusive of all yoga practices as it includes all aspects of yoga within its teachings. In this practice there are over 8.4 million kriyas (completed sequences, or sets). These kriyas are made up of asanas (postures), pranayama (breathing exercises), mantra (chanting), mudras (hand gestures), bandhs (body locks) and meditation.

The kriyas are a blend of dynamic and static postures that deliver a perfect sequence of energy, tones and feelings played upon the instrument of the body. In the ancient scriptures it is said that Kundalini Yoga is the fastest way to create the transformation that the individual is seeking. There is a certain depth, completeness and timelessness that is inherent in Kundalini Yoga.

Kundalini Yoga is a legacy. It has been practised as an exact science by masters in communication with Infinity, coming directly from the Soul. It is a practice that has been experienced and handed down through enlightened souls for many thousands of years. It is said that Christ, Buddha and Moses practised Kundalini Yoga.

In ancient times it was often taught and passed down through the line of kings. These Kundalini Yoga masters did not specifically or personally pass on the knowledge. Rather it is thought that the teachings were handed down via an authentic lineage of Raj (Royal) Yogis. Kundalini Yoga knowledge was transmitted through meditation and altered states. It was this practice that was kept within the bloodline of royalty. We understand that the very first transmission of Kundalini Yoga was passed to the Hindu god Shiva, who in turn passed the knowledge to his consort Parvarti. From the Bhagavadgita we can understand that Lord Krishna was a keeper of the teachings, which were then passed to King Janaka, who was an early Raj Yogi and master of Kundalini Yoga. This was passed on through that lineage to Guru Ram Das, a Guru of the Sikhs, via the subtle realms. Guru Ram Das was bestowed the High Throne of Raj Yoga, known as the Takhat.  The word takhat literally means ‘high throne’ and is not specific to any exclusive form of yoga; there are many other takhats. This meant that he had to pass the technology on with his blessing to anyone who came along. It was through Guru Ram Das that the teachings were passed on to Yogi Bhajan. In 1969 Yogi Bhajan took Kundalini Yoga to the United States, against the wishes of his peers. Until then, it had always been highly secret and was never practised in public.

Since Kundalini Yoga has become so popular in the United States the Kundalini Research Institute (KRI) has been developed. This was founded to verify, promote, produce and preserve the teachings of Yogi Bhajan, exactly as they had been passed down.

There is much confusion surrounding kundalini and Kundalini Yoga. Some experts say that it is the most potent and powerful way to change consciousness, while others warn against practising it, or veil the entire teaching in secrecy. Yet how can something as essential to consciousness as kundalini be feared? Some people worry about raising the kundalini energy, but teachings from Yogi Bhajan have dispelled many misrepresentations and myths surrounding kundalini and his explicit teachings have given researchers techniques that can be thoroughly tested out. Kundalini Yoga is also known as the ‘yoga of awareness’. Awareness leads to understanding and understanding gives way to acceptance. When you can accept yourself, all your limitations fade away. All your fears, insecurities, and self-belittlement cease to be. In its place are abundance, hope and the wisdom of your true worth. Kundalini Yoga is so much more than a set of physical exercises. If genuinely practised, with respect and reverence, it will change your life.

There is only one way that you can practise Kundalini Yoga. It is very specific, clearly laid out and it is practised as it was given, with no alterations. Its path can take you to many places, whether you wish to achieve enlightenment or to release parts of yourself that are out of date and do not reflect the person you wish to be. Kundalini Yoga can also offer an approach for those who have only limited time to devote to this practice, but who also deserve the rewards of this priceless gift. The practice is easily understood and accessible for complete beginners to yoga who have decided that they need a tool to help them balance out everyday pressures. This is the yoga for modern humankind. This practice is for our present-day dilemma: to feel whole and complete while maintaining our day-to-day responsibilities. Kundalini Yoga is a sacred technology that is greatly needed at the present time. It is direct, powerful and simple.

It is important to understand that Kundalini Yoga is concerned with preparing the body for the kundalini energy to rise up through the Sushmana (the energetic spinal column). The scientific aspect of Kundalini Yoga is designed to provide you with the experience of your highest consciousness through the raising of your kundalini. Kundalini is your latent spiritual potential. Through the practice of Kundalini Yoga, this psychic nerve centre is awakened; its revelation is the release of your true potential. For this energy to awaken safely, body and mind need to be strong and able to deal with this very powerful change in consciousness. The practice of Kundalini Yoga is the powerful cleansing of the whole being. Not only do the body and mind need to be cleansed but also the energetic aspects of ourselves. The chakras (energy centres) and meridians (energy pathways) need to be unblocked and activated to allow this new influx of dynamic energy to flow freely throughout the whole being.

Kundalini and chakra work are closely linked. The kundalini energy can be depicted as a serpent, coiled in three and a half turns, sleeping in the Muladhara (Base, or Root, Chakra), the densest of all the chakras. But please note that Yogi Bhajan does not support the concept of kundalini as the coiled serpent, but rather as the blueprint for the full potential of humankind. Kundalini is known as the spiritual nerve, seated in the base of the spine, waiting to be awakened. With the practice of Kundalini Yoga this nerve can be stimulated and start to become activated as it breaks through the blockage at the Muladhara, travelling upwards through the Sushmana and piercing every chakra along the way, until it reaches the Crown, where full enlightenment is attained.

You do not have to charge in with the intention of raising the kundalini to full enlightenment, although this is the goal of all forms of yoga. There is a more acceptable, more gentle, way of introducing you to the sheer potential that is within you, and showing you how this potential can be released. This method is to gently rouse or stir the kundalini energy in the Ida and Pingala channels, which interweave around the Sushmana, every time you embark on a kundalini kriya. The general pattern of a kundalini kriya is to awaken and build up the Pranic energy. This is then guided to the relevant area that you wish to work on. For example, if your digestive system needs working on, a set to help with decision-making or an emotional state that is upsetting you might be helpful. By directing the energy to a particular chakra, organ, or issue in your life, this blockage will be dissolved and once again you will be back in balance. The negative effects will harm you no more.

There are over 8.4 million kriyas, all designed to deal with the day-to-day challenges we face. There are kriyas for physical issues, such as the digestion, circulation, immune system (disease resistance), lower back problems, glandular malfunctions, menopause and sexuality problems. There are also kriyas for the mind, to clear confusion, addictions, haunting thoughts and creative blocks. Additionally, there are kriyas to balance the emotions, to bring about feelings of ecstasy, to dispel fear and paranoia, to bring about stillness and to attain the empowering ability to accept and forgive all aspects of your life.

Meditation is also a very important part of the practice. This allows the body and mind to process the journey of the kriya. The energy has travelled along a certain pathway, awakening, dispelling and moving your energetic bodies. The meditation process is a lesson in inner awareness. Sometimes the meditation will have a breathing technique to enable the mind to quieten as you turn inwards into the realm of feelings and emotions. When this happens you will be able to observe your thoughts as they come and go. This is the start of the practice known as ‘becoming the watcher’. It is through this method that you become master of the mind.

At other times there will be a mantra to accompany the meditation. A mantra is always equipped with a coded sonic vibration that cuts through the psyche and starts to balance out areas within that need attention. When there is a mantra, you may find yourself immersed in the sound. This is the most powerful part of Kundalini Yoga. The word mantra breaks down into man, which means ‘mind’ and tra, which is ‘to vibrate’. Therefore, mantra means ‘to vibrate the mind’. This miraculous technique shifts many character traits and behavioural patterns that keep us suffering. In the chapter on Mantra (see page 51), I will explain exactly how this sonic science works.

I would like to close this section by saying that you can never predict a kundalini class. It is always full of surprises, since many changes will be going on in all the various people present. There have been times in my classes when there have been outbursts of laughter, which is always good fun and I actively encourage it. Yoga is usually synonymous with seriousness, quiet and solemnity, but this is not always the case. Laughter is common in my classes. It is, after all, an explosion of happiness. This usually happens when a painful emotion or memory has been released. It is also common to find yourself so immersed in the kriya and the breathing that you surface to find tears falling down your cheeks. You may not actually be crying, but tears are falling silently. This is always a very powerful realization of the many changes that are taking place within you.

When you experience this, you will find that harmony and balance are restored to you, and you will feel within an endless supply of energy and happiness. When you experience this, even for a few brief moments, your life will not be the same again. The inner light is now switched on, shining through you, and others will not fail to be drawn towards you. You will become a beacon for humankind, a touchstone for the truth, and the living reality of who we really are.

To everyone who embarks on the path of kundalini, I wish you the greatest journey. May your path show you the many examples of Divinity that are around you at any given moment. May you realize the ultimate truth: that only Love can set you free. Be free, my friend, as it is your birthright.

Be Grateful, BE GREAT and BE FULL Yogi Bhajan



Read more from Siridatta here

Brad Bennett asked:


Your website is often the very first impression that new students have about your business. You want it to be attractive, inviting, and full of useful information. You want it to look professional, but still convey the depth and seriousness of your yoga business. If you’ve taken the time to look at other yoga website designs, you probably have an idea of what works and what doesn’t.

If you want a first-class yoga website design, it can end up costing you thousands of dollars. Professional web developers can be pricey, and for small businesses the cost can be prohibitive. But it’s almost impossible in this day and age to do business without a professional and quality website. You must have a web presence if you want to be taken seriously.

Some independent yoga trainers have attempted to create their own websites; but without proper training in web design, these can end up looking pretty home-made. So, where can you a yoga instructor and/or yoga studio find an affordable and quality website?

One excellent option is to take advantage pre-designed yoga website templates. These are professionally designed websites that are purchased for a small fee and then customized by a designer professional designer. Typically the business colors, logo, photos, text, and other important information can be integrated.

Using a template will give you the benefit of a professional design for a fraction of the cost. Many designers will also be able to implement programs to give you the ability to add your own content and many will have features such as editable schedules, payment processing, and customer feedback. A daily blog can keep your clients motivated with encouraging thoughts and tips for improving their practice. There are unlimited options!

From a marketing perspective a website is probably the most important tool that a yoga business can have. Since most people search for yoga studios and teachers using the Internet, it is very important to have a web presence to have any chance of tapping into that huge network of potential leads. Secondly, a website serves as a very important credibility tool. If a studio or yoga teacher does not have a website they may seem less credible. Another very important reason to have a website is to act as an educational resource for your students and potential students. In today’s competitive market, the more you stand out the more value you can offer. A website can serve as a portal for your students to learn more about history, technical aspects of poses, health and nutrition and much more. You can upload articles to your website and link to beneficial resources on the web for your students to access. You can also get creative by adding a feature such as pose of the week or an FAQ page.

Marketing your website on the web can be a complicated process and SEO (search engine optimizations) is a process that very few yoga studios have incorporated. SEO is a process of getting your website optimally ranked in Google and other search engines. Many companies hire SEO consultants to get them to the top of the search engines as a yoga business this may be more affordable than you thought since your key words are not as competitive as other business. A good SEO consultant may be able to get your site to the top of a search for a nominal investment. SEO for yoga is just one form of yoga marketing or yoga internet marketing. Pay Per Click advertising can be as effective as SEO for yoga.

Many yoga studios now use their website as a way to charge their clients for classes. This is helpful since it will make it more convenient for them to pay for classes and in addition it will increase class size since if students pay in advance they will be less likely to skip a class. There are numerous programs that exist that tie in online scheduler features so that a student can sign up for class and pay online.

Email marketing is another great reason to have a website. Sending out monthly educational and promotional email newsletters is probably one of the most cost effective ways of adding value to your services and increasing student retention. It has never been so easy with email service providers such as constantcontact.com. Email marketing is an incredibly effective branding tool. Every time you send out an email newsletter your students and prospective students will see your business name and even if they don’t read the email you are staying in front of them. You can add an email opt-in form right onto your website to capture email addresses and to give people a chance to sign up for your newsletter. You can also send out class and workshop updates to your growing list through your email marketing program.

In today’s economy it is more important than ever to market outside of the box. Consider using web marketing programs such as SEO, PPC or Email marketing. Now is not the time to sit back and wait for new students to come to you. You will find that web and online marketing can be fun and can generate more potential for your studio and yoga business than you could ever imagine. A website is an indispensible part of the modern yoga business. Don’t let budgetary constraints or lack of technical knowledge stand it the way of having this much-needed asset. Consider using a yoga template so that you can put your best foot forward online.

Koz Huseyin asked:


Are you new to yoga, and are interested in doing yoga and yoga meditation? You may have seen the huge benefits of doing yoga, and now want to get started. So, what are the best ways to start doing yoga meditation, and doing the yoga exercises?

In this article, you will find:

* Aiming To Get The Best Out Of Yoga

* Getting Started With Yoga Classes

* Yoga Books, Yoga CD’s, Yoga DVD’s

* Aiming To Get The Best Out Of Yoga

Getting the best out of yoga requires some thought. Yoga has several areas that make up yoga, such as the yogic breathing, yogic postures, yogic diet, and they all parts which can make us do things right or wrong. The main aim with any route to yoga is to find a way which enables you to get the best out of yoga.

Though all this should not be viewed as a way to make us procrastinate from actually taking action, but to keep it in the back of our minds. There is a lot of information about yoga online, and some of this information is great, but can not really help you with all the information you need.

* Getting Started With Yoga Classes

Yoga mediation is simply meditating, the point is to relax and cause balance. However, when we look at some other aspects of yoga, we find that there are the postures, and these can be a bit more tricky.

Doing the posture correctly is something that becomes paramount. And simply following instructions may not do it justice. The best route then becomes to find a local yoga class, and get instructed by someone who knows how the postures must be done. They can also look at how you are doing the postures, and aid you in doing the postures correctly.

Another point the yoga class can help you with is with the yogic breathing. Breathing is hard to discover how to do correctly by watching a yoga DVD, whereas being at a yoga class will give you more confidence that you are doing things correctly.

* Yoga Books, Yoga CD’s, Yoga DVD’s

So, what if there are no local yoga classes? What happens then? Well, you are not at a loss, because you can still use the numerous yoga books, and CD’s, and even DVD’s. Though a local yoga class is the best option, it does not have to restrict you, if you can’t go to yoga classes.

There are some great books out there and they can help you discover yoga in the privacy of your home. You can work at your own pace, and see if yoga is something you want to pursue over the long term.

Kevin Pederson asked:


Around the world Yoga is considered an enjoyable way to keep fit and healthy. And, though it has been around for ages, only recently has Yoga caught the American fancy. It is a well-rounded workout designed to tone up and strengthen muscles; at the same time it increases flexibility. Yoga is also an excellent way to shed weight and boost energy and vitality. As you start to practise Yoga or Pilates, for that matter you will notice the need for some basic Yoga or Pilates equipment and accessories.

Yoga Mats

Good Yoga mats help increase balance and coordination. Most folks are not properly aligned. As a result we do a lot of what we do asymmetrically. For those intending to balance and a sense of symmetry a Yoga mat is a must. Then again, we strongly recommend a hand-woven Yoga mat. However, for those into dynamic and vigorous kinds such Power Yoga, Sticky Mats are well worth considering.

Yoga straps

The Yoga strap is highly beneficial for beginners. They are either fabricated from cotton or nylon and let you grasp your limbs, you couldn’t reach. They also help you hold a pose longer. Yoga Straps are especially helpful in bound poses when the hands cannot reach each other or for asanas where you need to hold both feet but cannot reach them.

Yoga blocks

Yoga blocks are also called Yoga bricks and are useful in executing a variety of Yoga poses. Yoga blocks help in execution of poses and offer many other benefits. Some of the benefits of Yoga blocks are that they provide stability and support for proper alignment; they also help reduce the distance between the body and the ground.

Yoga cushions

Yoga cushions help practitioners establish proper spinal alignment so that the posture stays steady, straight, and comfortable. Yoga Cushions are also beneficial to pregnant women and to people recovering from surgery. With Yoga cushions, most poses can be done comfortably as you sit on a chair or using a chair to maintain balance while standing. For added support or cushioning, Yoga Cushions are also used on top of a Yoga Mat or Yoga Chair height.

Yoga balls

Yoga Balls are a versatile prop for many postures. Fabricated from durable vinyl, they help achieve the necessary balance and support for asanas. Yoga Balls effectively increase your flexibility, improve your range of motion and balance, as well as tone up the muscles. Besides, they also help shape the body and relieve of stress.

Paul M. Jerard Jr. asked:


Here are some habits to practice on your journey toward self-perfection. Always remember that you may make some mistakes along the way.

Cultivate love through acts of kindness toward family, friends, and associates. Smile at others and put your “best foot forward.” This alone will open many doors in life and make your journey a pleasant one. Take time for self analysis by observing your past, future, and present. Visualize what you can change and learn from what you cannot. Meditate, pray, and practice your breathing (Pranayama).

Selfless service for the common good is rewarding for the inner and outer self. You do not have to join a group to help others, but a group will have more ability to help than a single person. Either way, helping others will make you a better person. Give to charity and share with others when ever it is possible. Giving to others, especially those in need is a universal law. When it is possible to help another person, we should all help.

Forgive others for their wrong doings and let go of the past. Do this for yourself and you will feel a great burden, lifted from you. Carrying a grudge and frowning all day, takes too much positive energy out of you, so leave bad feelings behind.

The following are some habits to avoid. Avoid practicing Yoga for material gain or to acquire psychic powers. Anything of value should be used to help those you can. There is nothing wrong with earning a living or bettering yourself, but you should always help anyone you can.

As a Yoga practitioner, you are an ambassador of Yoga. An “air of superiority” should be avoided by all Yogis and Yoginis. This is seen as arrogance, and arrogance is only needed to bolster the ego. Therefore, be a diplomat, when speaking in terms of Yogic philosophy or vegetarianism.

Remember to practice Yoga as a lifestyle. Yoga is not just practiced in the ashram, in the mountains, on the beach, or behind the exclusive walls of a particular Yoga studio. Yoga can be practiced with acts of kindness, devotion to God, or in a physical practice at your own home.

Give your family, friends, and work your best efforts. Practicing Yoga is part of your life, but you should never abandon your obligations for Yoga. It is much healthier to live a full life and enjoy your family, friends, and work along the way.

We can take the right actions by practicing the following: Meditate daily and take action to focus your thinking, when your mind becomes restless. Remember that Yoga can be practiced anytime because of its mental, spiritual, and physical components.

© Copyright 2006 by Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Cindy Heller asked:


History of Hatha Yoga: The history of hatha yoga goes back in the fifteenth century India when Yogi Swatmarama, a sage during those times, introduced it as a form of “a stairway to the heights” of Raja Yoga which is the preparatory stage of physical purification that makes the body fit for the practice of higher form of meditation. Hatha yoga is also known to be called as “hatha vidya” and the word “hatha” is a combination of the words, “ha” which means sun “tha” that means moon and they are said to refer to the prinicipal “nadis” or the energy channels of the body and must be fully operational to attain the state of “dhyana” or a certain aspect of meditation.

Some people may link that the origins of hatha yoga which dates back in the tenth or eleventh century with Goraknath, a yogin during those times. However, the oldest surviving text about hatha yoga is the Hatha Yoga Pradipika by yogin, Yogi Swatmarama. The text is said to be taken from old Sanskrit writings and personal yogin experiences of the yogin himself. The text relates about shatkarma, asana, pranayama, chakras, kundalini, bandhas, kriyas, shakti, nadis, and mudras among others.

Concept of Hatha yoga: The total concept of the traditional hatha yoga is a holistic yogic path comprising of moral disciplines, physical exercises, breath control, and meditation. The hatha yoga that is widely practiced and popular in the western countries mainly composed of the “asanas” or postures and other exercises.

Hatha yoga is only one of the two concepts of yoga that concentrates on the physical culture and the other yoga is the Raja yoga but both of these are referred to as Ashtanga yoga. The main difference is that the Raja yoga concentrates more on the “asanas” or postures to get the body ready for a prolonged meditation that concentrates mainly on the meditative “asana” poses. The hatha yoga on the other hand concentrates on balancing the mind and body through physical exercises, controlled breathing, and calming the mind through meditation and sheer relaxation.

Different positions or postures are recommended by practitioners to help lessen or avoid health problems ranging from constipation through cancer. It was said that it helps to reduce stress, pressure, and other mental worries that people today are frequently exposed to.

History of Karma Yoga

Karma yoga also known as Buddhi Yoga or the “discipline of action” is centered on the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, a sacred Sanskrit scripture of Hinduism. One of the four pillars of yoga, Karma yoga concentrates on the adherence to duty (dharma) while remaining detached from the reward. It states that one can attain Moksha (salvation) or love of God (bhakti) by performing their duties in a selfless manner for the pleasure of the Supreme. Karma Yoga is an inherent part of many derivative types of yoga, such as Natya Yoga.

Concept Of Karma Yoga

The word Karma is mentioned from the Sanskrit Kri, meaning ‘to do’, in its most basic sense karma simply means action, and yoga translates to union. Therefore, Karma yoga literally translates to the path of union through action. It is described as a way of acting, thinking and willing by which one acts in accordance with one’s duty (dharma) with no consideration of personal selfish desires, likes or dislikes, i.e. acting without being emotionally involved to the fruits of one’s deeds.

In the case of Arjuna in the Gita, this translated to his fighting in the oncoming war to uphold the righteous cause in accordance with his duty as a warrior; even if out of compassion, he did not want to battle with his relatives and teachers on the other side.

Krishna then goes on to tell how Arjuna should surrender the fruits of his actions (good or bad) to himself (as the Supreme Person or avatara) :

Krishna describes that allocated work done without expectations, motives, or anticipation of its outcome purifies one’s mind and slowly makes an individual fit to see the value of reason. He states that it is not necessary to remain in external solitude, or actionless, in order to practice a spiritual life, with the state of action or inaction is solely determined in the mind.

In order to attain the perfection of life, Krishna describes it is important to control all mental desires and tendencies to enjoy pleasures of the senses. The practice of Karma Yoga in everyday life makes an individual fit through action, meditation and devotion to sharpen his reasoning, develop intuitive power of acquiring knowledge and to transcend the mind itself.

History Of Raja Yoga

Raja Yoga also known as Classical Yoga or simply Yoga is one of the six orthodox (astika) schools of Hindu philosophy, being described Patanjali in his Yoga Sutras. It is also occasionally referred to as A??anga (eight-limbed) yoga because there are eight aspects to the path to which one must attend. Raja yoga is concerned primarily with the cultivation of the mind using meditation (dhyana) to further one’s acquaintance with reality and finally achieve liberation.

The term Raja Yoga is a retronym, introduced in the 15th century Hatha Yoga Pradipika to differentiate the school based on the Yoga Sutras from the new current of Hatha Yoga.

Concept of Raja Yoga

Raja-Yoga is principally concerned with the mind. The mind is traditionally perceived as the ‘king’ of the psycho-physical structure which does its bidding (whether or not one has realized this). Because of the relationship between the mind and the body, the body must be ‘tamed’ first through self-discipline and purified by various means (see Hatha Yoga). A good level of overall health and psychological integration must be achieved before the deeper aspects of yoga can be pursued. Humans have all sorts of addictions and temptations and these preclude the attainment of tranquil abiding (meditation). Through restraint (yama) such as celibacy, abstaining from drugs and alcohol and careful attention to one’s actions of body, speech and mind, the human being becomes well to practise meditation. This yoke that one puts upon oneself is the alternate meaning of the word yoga.

Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras start with the statement yogas citta-vtti-nirodha (1.2), “yoga limits the oscillations of the mind”. They proceed on to detailing the ways in which mind can create false ideations and advocate meditation on real objects, which process, it is said, will lead to a spontaneous state of quiet mind, the “Nirbija” or “seedless state”, in which there is no mental object of focus. Practices that serve to maintain for the individual the ability to check this state may be considered Raja Yoga practices. Thus Raja Yoga encompasses and differentiates itself from other forms of Yoga by encouraging the mind to avoid the sort of absorption in obsessional practice (including other traditional yogic practices) that can generate false mental objects. In this angle, Raja Yoga is “king of yogas”: all yogic practices are seen as potential tools for obtaining the seedless state, itself considered to be the first point in the quest to cleanse Karma and obtain Moksha or Nirvana. Traditionally, schools of yoga that label themselves “Raja” offer students a mix of yogic practices and (hopefully) this philosophical viewpoint.